Click on map to open large map in new window (Map updated: 11 August 2009)

Click here to view an interactive map of the Northern Ireland dataset as currently collated by CEDaR.The map is generated through the NBN Gateway using their Interactive Mapping Tool.

V. fuscella belongs to an aggregate of closely related species. This small, common, crustose lichen of natural and artificial calcareous substrata has a silvery-grey to lead-grey, plate-like thallus broken by black cracks giving it a crazy paving appearance. The spherical discs (perithecia) are completely immersed and appear as little dots at the surface. It is never dominant. Look for it in the spaces between other lichens. It is widespread in Ireland.

Key characteristics

Grey, extensively black-cracked thallus with tiny dots on the surface

It is superficially similar to Buellia aethelea which has small apothecia and tends to occur on more obviously acid substrates.